2022 Finalists: Blair and Anna Robinson of Te Rohenga Farm – Sheep, Beef and Deer Velvet

For more than 100 years, the family behind Te Rohenga Farm has been striving to improve and evolve it, while still retaining its historic character.

Purchased it in 1907, Te Rohenga Farm is now under the charge of Blair and Anna Robinson who profitably farm almost 5,500 animals across 850ha. Most of their income is derived from sheep, including a Perendale stud and lamb finishing programme. About 30% of their income is from Angus beef and about 10% from selling deer velvet.

In addition, they run an events and tourism business that includes clay bird shooting, archery and axe throwing for team building and social events.

The Robinsons entered the Ballance Farm Environment Awards because they saw it as a way of further improving their farming operation so it’s the best it can be.

Everything they do is guided by an aspiration to enhance the land for future generations while running a successful business. The quality of water and soil is carefully managed and they keep a close eye on greenhouse gas emissions. They have developed a whole-of-farm plan with Horizons Regional Council and are methodically putting its recommendations in place.

Trees have been planted across the property – boosting water quality, reducing soil erosion and off-setting carbon emissions. In 2020, they retired 30ha of steep hill country into a forestry block to sequester carbon. Waterways have been fenced, complemented with significant riparian planting.

An animal health plan helps to ensure stock are kept in good condition, while ongoing pasture renewal is helping to boost production without increasing the farm’s carbon footprint.

The Robinsons embrace the fact that farming is a constantly changing industry and are taking an agile, flexible approach as they navigate its challenges into the future.